Bug Out Bags

A bug out bag is designed to enable you to just "grab and go"(hence why they are also called grab bags) the idea being that you can live out of it for 3 days, (another name used for them is 72hour bag).  The aim of a bug out bag is that you can have it ready for you to grab it when you need to leave your home at short notice, and yet not have to spend much time packing, because many of the emergencies that would mean that you need to move wouldn't give you the time, a home fire or earthquake for example.

 

My Bug out Bag

My bug out bag is tailored more for backpacking/treking as this is a strong hobby, but what is a "B.O.B" if not a backpacking set up.

Sleep

I have a hennasy hammock http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hennessy-Hammock-Expedition-Asym/dp/B000ZKEIK8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355502441&sr=8-1 and DPM Basha set up, with an Alp kit Pipe dream 600 sleeping bag, very minimum weight and bulk yet very warm and cozy.

Cooking

Solo Stove gasifer stove http://www.solostove.com/solo-stove/ burns pretty efficiently, sits inside a primus ETA Power 1Litre pot http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/primus-etapower-pot-1-ltr-94210001?id_colour=180 and will burn whatever you feed it.  There is a video of someone on youtube taking a Trangia type meths burner inside his solo stove, so I may have to do this myself in the not too distant.  This sits in a draw string bag in one of the outside pockets of my pack.  I’m not a fan of gimiky utensils, so for me it’s a solid Nato KFS set and a Frosts Mora clipper, maybe not as light as a titanium spork, but a lot cheaper, and not noticeably uncomfortable to carry.  My immediate (72 hours) food needs will be met by Fuzion Freeze dried Foods, though if it were the end I’d keep this in case and live off my witts.

Water

I carry a 1L water bottle, 58 Pattern bottles because I’m a fan of the crusader cooking system, and because I have them.  There is no point in buying expensive branded P.E.T bottles when I already have one I am happy with.  Though I have a selection of Ali & Plastic bottles that others are welcome to use if they do not have the kit on a joint exped.  I also carry two 2Ltr hydration pouchs, and a couple of 1Ltr water bladders, one is for carrying “dirty” water and adding the puritabs, and has an inline water filter fitted to the hose, and the others are for carrying “clean” water.  The water bladders are just for storage and would be empty when moving.

Clothing

This is all deliberately civilian walking stuff, a lot more than army surplus, but won’t attract attention when you are spotted in the hills.  I used to have all my walking gear except jacket as army surplus, but I’ve made the change because I think it’s a reasonable precaution, and bought over time doesn’t cost that much more.  Trousers are Cragghoppers Kiwi, HH Base layers top & bottom, Fleece, softshell and jumpers as needed for the weather and are a mix of brands.  Boots wise I’m still going for Magnums in summer, with Meindl boots and Gaiters in winter, with Bridgedale endurance trekker socks.

Tools

Tools are important if you want to be unseen in the outdoors for long periods.  Bungee cord has a million and one uses, as does para cord, I have both in my kit.   A folding pruning saw, Bahco Laplander because it was ray mears that gave me the idea. Secaters because they are sometimes easier than using larger tools, and have less inherent risk than chopping kindling with an axe.  I also have a small 1½ lb hachet in there but if It ever does come to an end I’d take my 2lb granfors Scandinavian forest axe, basic sharpening kit for all my sharps, and a NATO folding shovel.  I normally carry baby wipes and a lot of nappy sacks in case I get caught short, this kind of go’s with the shovel if you get my drift.   A slingshot is ideal, but I don’t have the skill to use it, so again, post fall I’d add something more useful that I’m more practiced with.

The bag itself is a 50Ltr Osprey Atmos, with the important things (inc a full survival kit & 2 meals) in a 24hr manbag inside the lid, so if it looks like I will be separated from my gear I can still survive.

 Anything else is just common sense, personal hygiene items, money and anything else that you cannot live without.

Well, that’s my bug out kit, any suggestions or questions feel free.